Our Mission

Our History

The Philadelphia Civic Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1935 with funding from the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Music Project, a government agency founded under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation. It was the largest and most well-known ensemble created by the Federal Music Project in the Philadelphia area. Similar orchestras were founded across the nation during this time, and helped professional musicians continue to make a living throughout the New Deal era. The Philadelphia Civic Orchestra became an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric, performing in numerous venues across the city.  Part of its cultural importance was its contribution to American orchestral music in the 20th century. During its lifetime, the orchestra premiered dozens of new works, with a particular emphasis on music composed by Philadelphians. However, a notable distinction about the Civic’s repertoire is that the orchestra frequently repeated pieces they premiered, a practice that is a rarity even to this day. African-American soloists and choral groups played with the Civic on several bills. Additionally, the orchestra was called upon to participate in rallies and fundraising events to support the American war effort during World War II.  Its membership was composed of musicians from other American orchestras, Philadelphia locals, and a small contingent of newly graduated conservatory students. Its chief conductors were Philadelphia native J.W.F Leman (1935-1939) and Guglielmo Sabatini (1939-1943).